If you have an old set of plastic window blinds tucked in the garage and a bag of cement mix left over from another project, this is one of those surprisingly satisfying outdoor DIYs that turns odds and ends into something genuinely useful. In this project, I use cut pieces of plastic blinds as spacers inside cement to make heavy slatted yard blocks that look neat, modern, and a lot more expensive than they are.
I love projects like this because they give you a durable finished piece without needing fancy tools or a whole free weekend. These blocks work well as garden accents, simple stepping blocks, edging details, or even little risers for potted plants. If you like practical outdoor projects and you’re balancing a busy schedule like I usually am, this one is very doable.
Materials
1 bag fast-setting cement mix, 20 to 25 pounds
Instructions
1. Clean the plastic mold thoroughly and make sure the cut blind pieces are all the same length so the finished block looks even.
2. Mix the cement according to the package directions until it reaches a thick, scoopable consistency, like stiff oatmeal.
3. Fill the mold about halfway with wet cement, then tap the sides gently on your work surface to release trapped air bubbles.
4. Stand or stack the cut blind slats into the wet cement in evenly spaced rows so they create a slatted pattern through the block.
5. Add more cement until the mold is nearly full, covering the lower portions of the slats while keeping the spacing and alignment straight.
6. Tap the mold again to settle the cement, then smooth the top with a scrap piece of blind or the flat edge of a small board.
7. Let the block cure undisturbed until fully set, following the cement package time, then carefully flex the mold and remove the block.
8. Place the finished block in a shaded spot outdoors for a full cure before using it in the yard, especially if you want maximum strength and cleaner edges.
Variations & Tips
Longer block option: Use a longer rectangular mold and cut more blind slats to match if you want a more dramatic border piece for a garden bed.
Color choice: White blinds give a crisp contrast, but beige or gray blinds can create a softer look that blends into landscaping a little more naturally.
Mold tip: If your container is a little flimsy, set it on a small tray or scrap board before filling it with cement so it’s easier to move without twisting.
Even spacing: I like to dry-fit the blind pieces in the empty mold first because it helps me figure out the spacing quickly before the cement starts setting.
Best outdoor use: These blocks are great as decorative yard accents, pot risers, or border details, but I’d avoid using them where they need to support significant weight unless you make a thicker version.
Busy-day prep: If I’m squeezing this project into a packed weeknight, I cut all the blind slats ahead of time so once the cement is mixed, the assembly goes fast and feels much less messy.